A senior Hamas representative announced on Saturday their acceptance of a fresh Gaza ceasefire proposal from mediators, whilst calling for Israeli support but emphasising that the group’s armaments remain non-negotiable.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged receipt of the mediators’ proposal and confirmed submitting a response.
“Two days ago, we received a proposal from the mediating brothers in Egypt and Qatar. We dealt with it positively and approved it. We hope that the occupation (Israel) will not obstruct it,” stated Khalil al-Haya during an Eid al-Fitr television broadcast.
“The weapons of the resistance are a red line,” he said.
Netanyahu’s office verified receiving the mediators’ proposal.
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, yesterday, held a series of consultations pursuant to the proposal that was received from the mediators,” according to an official statement.
“A few hours ago, Israel conveyed to the mediators a counter-proposal in full coordination with the US,” the statement continued without further details.
Previously, senior Hamas representative Bassem Naim indicated progress in discussions between the Palestinian Islamist organisation and mediators regarding a ceasefire agreement, whilst Israeli forces maintain intensive operations in Gaza.
Palestinian sources with Hamas connections informed AFP that negotiations commenced Thursday evening between the militant group and Egyptian and Qatari mediators to reinstate a ceasefire and hostage release agreement.
The temporary peace that brought relative quiet to the Gaza Strip concluded on March 18 when Israel recommenced its aerial campaign across the region.
The Doha discussions began following Netanyahu’s warning about taking control of Gaza areas if Hamas refused to free hostages, whilst Hamas cautioned that captives would return “in coffins” should Israel continue bombing the Palestinian territory.